PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for PTSD, TDIU, and earlier effective date are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and address procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability was incurred during service and granted service connection. The initial increased ratings for PTSD and coronary artery disease are remanded as new examinations are needed to assess current severity.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD were found to be related to his service. The cause of death was determined to be brain swelling and herniation due to other significant conditions such as chronic alcohol use, tobacco use, Coumadin therapy, and deep venous thrombosis.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of PTSD, mood disorder with secondary alcohol abuse in excess of 30 percent is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, depression, and anxiety are related to a personal assault during active service. As such, the criteria for granting service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination for his cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The Board will consider whether separate ratings may be assigned for different periods of time based on facts found.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depressive disorder NOS, is due to his exposure to stressful events during service. The Board grants service connection for the acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 20, 2004. The Board granted a TDIU rating effective from April 1, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 13, 2011. Prior to that date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's pre-existing psychiatric disability, which was aggravated by in-service sexual assault. The Veteran now has service connection for PTSD.

The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that any of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related or attributable to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion regarding her psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 4, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of whether she meets the criteria for extraschedular evaluation.

The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 24, 2004. The appeal is for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive features is rated at 70 percent, and his TDIU claim has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment consistent with his occupational experience.

For the period from October 1, 2008 to February 22, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish effective relationships. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD during this period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current breathing disorders and an opinion on whether service connection is warranted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.